Dapper Dan has been in the business of bootleg fashion for decades. He gained notoriety outfitting the likes of Mike Tyson, Salt-N-Pepa and LL Cool J – and the rest of the Harlem hip hop scene – in mock Louis Vuitton monogram garms back in the 80s. After legal troubles that forced him to shut down his boutique in 1992, his legacy seemed like it had come to an end. So, when Gucci paid homage to one of his most recognisable designs at its 2018 Cruise show last year, it felt like things had come full-circle. 

The designer’s fascinating life is now set to become the subject of a new biopic – his soon-to-be-released memoir will be dramatised, and Dan himself will assume the role of executive producer. The film will focus on his Harlem heydays and look at how he redefined 80s and 90s hip hop style from his unassuming East 125th Street boutique.

The news of the film follows the bootlegger’s return to fashion that has seen him feature in Gucci’s tailoring campaign, mentor VFiles’ SS18 designers, and reopen his legendary atelier, this time stocked full with the real deal genuine Gucci fabrics and trimmings, thanks to the reinvented version of his lok. For now, little is known about when the film will be released, and more importantly, who will play the designer – but watch this space for more info. 

Read our feature on Dapper Dan and how he reinvented high fashion for the streets, taken from the Autumn 2014 issue here.